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Cream Puff Cake Recipe

Cream Puff Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky French cream puff cake offers a luxurious journey through delicate layers of choux pastry and velvety custard cream. Parisian bakery magic comes alive with each elegant slice, inviting dessert enthusiasts to savor a classic French culinary masterpiece.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water

Dairy and Filling Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
  • 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix

Topping and Optional Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the foundational dough by combining butter and water in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil over medium heat, then immediately removing from heat and vigorously stirring in flour until a cohesive dough ball forms.
  3. Allow the dough to cool slightly, then incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth, glossy texture that will provide structural integrity to the pastry base.
  4. Distribute the prepared dough evenly across the greased baking dish, maintaining a consistent thickness to promote uniform baking and golden coloration.
  5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a puffy, golden-brown surface that indicates proper cooking, then remove and allow complete cooling.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, transform the cream cheese into a silky smooth consistency through vigorous beating.
  7. Gradually introduce milk and pudding mix to the cream cheese, continuing to blend until the mixture achieves a thick, luxurious cream with no lumps.
  8. Gently incorporate whipped topping into the cream mixture, folding delicately to maintain the light, airy texture.
  9. Once the pastry base has completely cooled, spread the cream filling in an even, generous layer across the entire surface.
  10. Enhance the dessert’s visual appeal and flavor by drizzling chocolate syrup or melted chocolate in an artistic pattern over the cream filling.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 2 hours to allow complete setting and flavor melding.
  12. When ready to serve, slice into neat squares and optionally dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the Base: Experiment with different flavors by substituting vanilla pudding mix with chocolate, pistachio, or butterscotch for a unique twist on the classic cream puff cake.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising the cake’s delicate texture.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Reduce the sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping, perfect for those watching their sugar intake or managing diabetes.
  • Enhance Presentation: Create elegant individual servings by using a muffin tin instead of a baking dish, offering a stylish and portion-controlled dessert option for gatherings or parties.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg